Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jun 2012
Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, CA)
Copyright: 2012 Los Angeles Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.dailybulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/871
Author: Sandra Emerson

UPLAND PARENTS AGAINST DRUGS HOLD FIRST MEETING

UPLAND - After finding out her two stepsons were using marijuana and 
methamphetamine in her home, Jackie Nutting decided she had enough.

The Upland resident helped form Upland Parents Against Drugs, which 
held its first official meeting Friday at the Pacific Christian Center.

"I said I'm tired of this," said Nutting, who is a government affairs 
specialist.

Nutting said the group is concerned with all drug use in the city.

"Anything that doesn't come out of CVS, our parents are against it," 
Nutting said.

But, the group's first focus will be on marijuana and medical 
marijuana dispensaries, which were the primary topic for Friday's meeting.

The city has been fighting to keep medical marijuana dispensaries out 
for several years leading to some hefty legal fees.

City zoning prohibits dispensaries from operating.

"I want to start with marijuana because that's the door opener," 
Nutting said. "If we can kill marijuana in Upland, we can go ahead 
and we can eliminate the other drugs too."

Paul Chabot, founder and president of Coalition for a Drug Free 
California, gave a presentation on marijuana use, including medical, 
and its impact on communities.

"I'm here because I love this town. I love this community. This is 
important to me. I'm a dad. I've got a 2-, 3- and 4-year-old," Chabot 
said. "It's about what kind of community do we want our little ones 
to grow up in, period. It shouldn't be a political issue at all."

Several medical marijuana supporters attended the meeting as well.

Buryldean Andrews of Montclair said she uses medical marijuana to 
mitigate side effects resulting from having breast cancer, shingles 
and nerve damage after surgery.

"I'm sorry your children smoke pot. I'm sorry your children drink 
alcohol. I'm sorry your children do prescription drugs," Andrews 
said. "Where do you think they get these drugs? They're getting them 
out of your cabinets."

There were some moments of outburst between those in support of 
medical marijuana and those against it.

Michelle Olson of Mt. Baldy arrived to the meeting near the end when 
much of the confrontation occurred.

"It's just really sad to see this animosity going on," she said.

Several city officials attended the meeting including Mayor Ray 
Musser and Councilman Gino Filippi, who are both running for mayor in November.

Upland Police Chief Jeff Mendenhall, who was also in attendance, said 
he has seen drug use among the city's youth increase, which concerns him.

"I don't have exact stats, but my belief is that youth drug usages is 
increasing gradually over the years," he said.

Planning Commissioner and City Council candidate Carol Timm 
facilitated the meeting for the group.

Nutting said the group will continue to hold meetings and will meet 
with Parent Teacher Associations in Upland once schools start in the fall.

"What I will be doing is keep the momentum going," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom